So how big is your avacado now? They are fun to go .. have you ever tried a taro root? They are very cheap from the produce section at grocery stores... I use them instead of buying the expensive bulbs. It is very tropical looking too and gets about 2 feet tall .. they are my fave .. Kyly

I've got a problem, and hopefully one of you can provide some advice for me.

A few weeks ago, I bought some plants at a farmers market and put them next to Ralph the Avocado on the windowsill. Recently, I noticed that there were bugs on these new plants as they came from outdoors. The bugs were aphids and fruit flies. I didn't think much of it until I noticed that the bugs were starting to attack the avocado as well. So I've gotten rid of the new plants (they weren't doing so well, anyway), and I'm wondering what to do about the avocado... I'm not seeing any bugs on the plant itself, but I am seeing what I assume are tiny larva in the soil - they're especially active after I water the plant. They're light in colour - almost white - and a couple millimeters long. Can anyone suggest a means of getting rid of these pests? Is there a product that I could buy that would get rid of them? I'd prefer not to use harsh chemicals if possible, but if that's the only solution, then so be it.

It sounds like you may have fungus gnats. One solution that has been suggested and appears to have some success is cinnamon on top of the soil. You can also interrupt their breeding cycle by putting a layer of sand or small rocks to cover the top of the soil. If you are finding them on the leaves wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Top and bottom. You can also use insecticidal soap but I have found that there are a lot of plants that don't like it so I try to avoid it whenever possible.

LynAB, Zone 3A----------------------------------“Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” ` James Arthur Baldwin"